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Body-Packing: A Rare Diagnosis to Keep in Mind.

Authors :
Gomes MJ
João A
Bargiela I
Source :
European journal of case reports in internal medicine [Eur J Case Rep Intern Med] 2020 Jun 18; Vol. 7 (9), pp. 001750. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jun 18 (Print Publication: 2020).
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Body packing was first described in 1973 and refers to the intracorporeal concealment of illegal drugs, which are swallowed or placed in anatomical cavities and/or body orifices. The body packer can be asymptomatic or can have signs of systemic drug toxicity (neurological, cardiac, abdominal, renal and cutaneous) due to rupture of the packet(s) or symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. The diagnosis is established based on a suggestive history, findings on physical examination and laboratory findings and/or imaging. The vast majority of patients are asymptomatic and are treated conservatively. However, complex situations may require surgical intervention. We present a case of a 50-year-old man who was admitted in the emergency department with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure and vomiting with plastic film, which raised the suspicion of foreign body ingestion, confirmed by imaging and laboratory tests. He underwent exploratory laparotomy to remove the packages.<br />Learning Points: Body packing is a potentially lethal activity.Body-packers can be asymptomatic, or have signs/symptoms of systemic drug toxicity or gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation.It is essential to recognize this condition so that the correct clinical approach, diagnosis and management can be established.<br />Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interests: The Authors declare that there are no competing interests.<br /> (© EFIM 2020.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2284-2594
Volume :
7
Issue :
9
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
European journal of case reports in internal medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
32908836
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.12890/2020_001750